60 Fun Facts about Walruses

Walruses are fascinating creatures that are known for their distinctive tusks, blubbery bodies, and playful nature.

But did you know that they can weigh as much as 1.5 tons or that they can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes while diving for food?

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most interesting and fun facts about walruses that you may not have known before.

Fun Facts about Walruses

1. Walruses are marine mammals that belong to the order Pinnipedia, which also includes seals and sea lions.
2. They are found in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including the coasts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia.
3. There are two species of walruses: the Pacific walrus and the Atlantic walrus.
4. The Pacific walrus is larger than the Atlantic walrus and has longer tusks.
5. Male walruses are called bulls, females are called cows, and baby walruses are called calves.
6. Walruses have thick, wrinkled skin that can be up to four inches thick.
7. They have two layers of fur to keep them warm in the cold Arctic waters.
8. Walruses can weigh as much as 1.5 tons (3,000 pounds).
9. Adult walruses can be up to 11 feet long.
10. Walruses use their tusks to break through ice and climb out of the water onto ice floes.
11. Male walruses use their tusks to establish dominance and attract females during mating season.
12. Walruses have excellent hearing and can hear sounds up to 20 miles away.
13. They also have a great sense of smell and can detect prey on the ocean floor using their whiskers.
14. Walruses can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes while diving for food.
15. They can swim at speeds of up to 21 miles per hour.
16. Walruses can dive to depths of up to 900 feet.
17. They eat clams, mussels, snails, and other bottom-dwelling creatures.
18. Walruses are known for their distinctive vocalizations, which include grunts, groans, and bellows.
19. They are very social animals and often gather in large herds on ice floes.
20. Walruses have a lifespan of up to 40 years in the wild.
21. They have few natural predators, but are sometimes hunted by polar bears and killer whales.
22. Walruses are an important cultural and subsistence resource for many indigenous communities in the Arctic.
23. The scientific name for walrus is Odobenus rosmarus, which means “tooth-walking sea horse.”
24. Walruses have been known to use their tusks to protect themselves from predators and attack boats.
25. They have a layer of blubber up to four inches thick to help them survive in the cold waters of the Arctic.
26. Walruses are known to sleep floating in the water, with their heads and tusks resting on an ice floe.
27. They have been known to “haul out” onto beaches and rocks to rest and bask in the sun.
28. Walruses can be trained to perform tricks and have been used in circuses and aquariums.
29. Walrus milk is very rich in fat and is essential for the growth and development of walrus calves.
30. The ivory tusks of walruses have been prized by humans for thousands of years and have been used for carving and ornamentation.
31. Walruses have a flexible upper lip that they can use to create a vacuum to suck up their food.
32. They are capable of producing a loud, explosive sound by expelling air through their nasal passages.
33. Walruses have been observed using tools, such as rocks, to help them dig for food on the ocean floor.
34. They are known to engage in playful behavior, such as wrestling and blowing bubbles.
35. Walruses have a unique vocalization known as “roar-barks” that they use to communicate with each other.
36. Male walruses can weigh up to three times as much as female walruses.
37. Walruses have a specialized circulatory system that allows them to regulate their body temperature and blood flow in cold water.
38. They are able to retract their eyes into their skull for protection when they are swimming or diving.
39. Walruses have a relatively slow metabolism, which allows them to survive for long periods without food.
40. The scientific study of walruses is known as odontology.
41. Walruses are known to migrate long distances in search of food and breeding grounds.
42. They have been observed using their tusks to break holes in the ice to breathe and access their underwater feeding grounds.
43. Walruses have been known to suffer from diseases such as trichinosis and brucellosis.
44. In Inuit mythology, the walrus is often depicted as a symbol of strength, power, and endurance.
45. Walruses are able to recognize individual members of their herd by their vocalizations and other cues.
46. They have a slow reproductive rate, with females giving birth to one calf at a time every two to three years.
47. Walruses have a unique ability to regenerate damaged or lost whiskers.
48. They are able to consume large quantities of food in a single feeding, with adult walruses eating up to 3% of their body weight per day.
49. Walruses have been known to use ice floes as a platform for socializing and mating.
50. The walrus has been featured in literature, music, and art throughout history, and remains an iconic symbol of the Arctic wilderness.
51. Walruses have been known to engage in “watermelon feeding” – this is when they suction up large amounts of water, filter out the sand and sediment, and then spit the water out, leaving behind a tasty morsel to eat.
52. The scientific community is still studying walruses to learn more about their behavior, ecology, and physiology.
53. Walruses have been known to “haul out” onto beaches in large numbers, creating a spectacle for tourists and researchers alike.
54. Climate change is affecting the Arctic region and may have a significant impact on walrus populations, their habitat, and their food supply.
55. Walruses have a special adaptation that allows them to reduce blood flow to their extremities and conserve heat when they are in cold water.
56. The average weight of an adult male Pacific walrus is around 2,700 pounds, while females average around 1,800 pounds.
57. Walruses are often depicted in popular culture, including movies, television shows, and children’s books.
58. The walrus has played an important role in the culture and mythology of many indigenous peoples in the Arctic, including the Yupik, Inupiaq, and Chukchi.
59. Walruses have a slow reproductive rate and low natural mortality, which makes them vulnerable to overhunting and other human activities.
60. Walruses have been known to attack humans in certain circumstances, such as when they feel threatened or cornered. It is important to give them plenty of space and respect their habitat.

Is the walrus a mammal?

Yes, the walrus is a mammal. It belongs to the order Carnivora, which also includes animals like bears, wolves, and seals. Walruses are marine mammals and spend most of their time in the water.

Does a walrus have fur?

While walruses do have hair, they do not have fur. Instead, they have a thick layer of blubber under their skin that helps to insulate them in cold water. This blubber layer can be several inches thick, depending on the individual walrus and its environment.

Does a walrus lay eggs?

No, walruses do not lay eggs. Like all mammals, they give birth to live young. Female walruses typically give birth to one calf at a time, which they care for and nurse for several years.

Does a walrus have a tail?

Yes, walruses do have a tail, although it is relatively short. Their tail, or fluke, is less than 6 inches long and is used to help them maneuver in the water. Walruses are excellent swimmers and can travel long distances underwater in search of food.

Why do walruses whistle?

Walruses whistle as a means of communication, particularly when they are on land and in close proximity to each other. They use a variety of vocalizations to communicate, including grunts, growls, and bellows. These sounds can carry for long distances and help to establish social bonds within walrus groups.

Why do walruses have moustaches?

Walruses have “moustaches” or long, sensitive whiskers that help them locate food in dark or murky waters. These whiskers are highly sensitive and can detect even subtle changes in water pressure or movement. They are also used to locate prey, such as clams and other shellfish, on the ocean floor.

Why do walruses have whiskers?

Walruses have whiskers to detect changes in water pressure, temperature, and salinity, and to locate prey. Their whiskers are highly sensitive and can detect even the smallest vibrations in the water. This helps walruses to navigate their environment and find food, even in conditions of low visibility.

Can walruses swim?

Yes, walruses are excellent swimmers. They use their powerful flippers to propel themselves through the water and can travel long distances underwater in search of food. Walruses can also hold their breath for several minutes at a time, allowing them to dive to great depths in pursuit of prey.

Can walruses breathe underwater?

No, walruses cannot breathe underwater. They need to surface regularly to take in air. However, they can hold their breath for a long time, up to 30 minutes, allowing them to dive to great depths in search of food.

Can walruses kill humans?

While walruses are generally not aggressive towards humans, they can be dangerous if they feel threatened or cornered. Adult walruses are very large and powerful animals and could potentially cause harm if they attack.

Can a walrus kill a polar bear?

It is possible for a walrus to kill a polar bear, although it is relatively rare. Walruses are large and powerful animals, and their tusks can be used as a defense against predators. However, polar bears are also skilled hunters and are generally considered the top predator in the Arctic.

Can a walrus kill a shark?

It is unlikely that a walrus could kill a shark, as sharks are generally faster and more maneuverable in the water. However, walruses are known to defend themselves against predators, and their tusks could potentially injure a shark in self-defense.

How far can a walrus swim in a day?

Walruses are capable of swimming long distances, but the exact distance they can cover in a day can vary depending on factors such as age, health, and environmental conditions. Some walruses have been known to swim over 50 miles in a day.

Why do walruses have red eyes?

The red color of a walrus’s eyes is due to the presence of blood vessels in the iris. This is a common feature among many marine mammals and helps to regulate the amount of light that enters the eye in bright, reflective environments such as the Arctic sea ice.

Why do walruses have blubber?

Walruses have a thick layer of blubber under their skin that helps to insulate them in cold water. This blubber layer also serves as an energy reserve, allowing walruses to go for long periods without eating. Additionally, blubber provides buoyancy in the water, making it easier for walruses to float.

Can you own a walrus?

No, it is illegal to own a walrus as a pet or in any other capacity. Walruses are protected under various international laws and regulations, and it is illegal to buy, sell, or trade them in any way.

Can a human be turned into a walrus?

No, it is not possible for a human to be turned into a walrus. While there are stories and legends about humans transforming into animals, these are purely fictional and have no basis in reality.

Is the walrus endangered?

Yes, the walrus is considered a vulnerable species and is listed as such by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Habitat loss, climate change, and hunting have all contributed to declines in walrus populations in some areas, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.

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